Meghan Hodges
Marine pollution has been a problem for decades, with plastic pollution first noticed in the ocean in the 1960s and 1970s. It is a combination of chemicals and trash, most of which comes from land sources and is washed or blown into the ocean. This includes littering, storm winds, and poor waste management, with 80% of marine pollution originating on land and caused by humans. Marine pollution has severe consequences for marine life, the environment, and human health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date Marine Pollution was First Noticed | Late 1960s to early 1970s |
| Main Types of Marine Pollution | Chemicals and Trash |
| Percentage of Pollution in Oceans Caused by Humans | 80% |
| Percentage of Marine Pollution Caused by Land Sources | 80% |
| Number of Marine Species Impacted by Marine Debris | Hundreds |
| Number of Marine Species Impacted by Plastic Pollution | 267 |
| Percentage of Sea Turtle Species Impacted by Plastic Pollution | 86% |
| Percentage of Seabird Species Impacted by Plastic Pollution | 44% |
| Percentage of Marine Mammal Species Impacted by Plastic Pollution | 43% |
| Number of Aquatic Species with Microplastics in Organs | 114+ |
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Plastic pollution
Plastic is extremely durable, taking hundreds of years to degrade. The EPA reports that "every bit of plastic ever made still exists". Even when plastic does degrade, it becomes microplastics, which are tiny particles of plastic that can be eaten by marine animals, entering the food chain. Microplastics have been found in human blood and placentas, as well as in food and drinks, including tap water, beer, and salt. They have also been found in the soil where we grow our vegetables. The presence of plastic in the ocean is continually increasing, and plastic pollution is a major cause of marine species extinction, health problems for humans and animals, and the destruction of ecosystems. Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species, and 43% of all marine mammal species.
The sources of ocean plastic pollution are numerous and varied. Most plastic in the ocean comes from land, flowing downstream through rivers. Other sources include paint shed from shipping, discarded fishing gear, and synthetic textiles. The global trade of plastic products and waste has exacerbated the problem, with plastic waste often ending up in locations that lack the infrastructure for safe and environmentally sound management.
Efforts to address plastic pollution are fragmented, but there is increasing momentum for international cooperation to tackle the plastic crisis. The IUCN supports ambitious reductions in plastic production, the phasing out of harmful subsidies, and the elimination of harmful products and chemicals. Citizen science projects have also played a role in addressing plastic pollution, with initiatives such as the Marine Conservation Society's Great British Beach Clean engaging a record number of volunteers. However, there needs to be education and behavioral change along the entire supply chain to develop long-term sustainable solutions.
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Human activity
Marine pollution has been a problem for centuries, with human activity being the primary cause. Marine pollution is defined by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as "the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment ... which results or is likely to result in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources and marine life."
Human activities, such as the use of fertilizers on farms, have led to chemical contamination or nutrient pollution, which occurs when chemicals run off into waterways and eventually flow into the ocean. This increases the concentration of chemicals such as nitrogen and phosphorus in coastal areas, promoting the growth of algal blooms, also known as "red tides." These algal blooms can be toxic to marine life and harmful to humans, impacting local fishing and tourism industries.
Plastic pollution is another significant contributor to marine debris, with plastic items such as shopping bags, beverage bottles, and microplastics ending up in the ocean. Plastic pollution is particularly harmful as it can take hundreds of years to decompose, persisting in the environment and entering the food chain. Small organisms ingest microplastics, absorbing toxic chemicals into their tissues. These toxic chemicals then accumulate in larger animals that consume the smaller organisms, impacting their health and potentially leading to reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders.
Marine transportation and oil spills are also human activities that contribute to marine pollution. Oil from shipping activities and major oil spills can have detrimental effects on marine life and ecosystems. Additionally, carbon dioxide emissions from human activities are the primary cause of ocean acidification, further impacting marine environments.
The impact of marine pollution on human health is significant. Consumption of contaminated seafood and inhalation of volatile petrochemicals can pose risks to human health. Additionally, plastic pollution contributes to climate change, and the presence of toxic chemicals in the ocean can affect the body's endocrine system.
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Marine debris
The history of marine debris is closely linked to the development of plastic. After the invention of plastics by Alexander Parkes in the mid-1800s, the technology remained largely dormant until World War II, when plastics were used for piping around wires in military machinery. During this period, the capabilities of plastic technology advanced significantly, making it easier to mould and create new plastic objects. The increasing use of plastic has become a significant issue, as many types of plastic do not biodegrade quickly, unlike natural or organic materials.
The sources of marine debris are diverse, with most of it originating on land due to human activities such as littering, poor waste management, stormwater discharge, and runoff from roads, farms, and construction sites. Ocean-based sources also contribute, including derelict fishing gear, container spillages, and waste disposal from ships and oil rigs. Additionally, natural events like tsunamis, hurricanes, and wind can transport debris into the ocean.
Efforts to address marine debris include international laws and policies, such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 14 "Life Below Water", which aims to reduce marine pollution. The 2006 Marine Debris Act in the US authorised the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to take action against marine debris and its adverse impacts. Various organisations are also developing programs to collect and remove plastics from the ocean and educate communities about this global issue.
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Oil spills
Marine pollution has been a problem for centuries, with humans being the primary source of the pollution. Oil spills, a major contributor to marine pollution, have been a significant issue for decades.
The main causes of oil tanker vessel spills are collisions, groundings, mishandling, and sinkings. Oil tanker spills are a major ecological threat due to the large amount of oil spilled per accident and the proximity of major sea traffic routes to Large Marine Ecosystems. Oil spills can also occur from offshore oil rigs, damaged pipelines, and oil platforms.
There has been a substantial reduction in the number and volume of oil spills in recent years. For example, the 1990s recorded 1,134,000 tonnes lost due to oil spills, while the early 2020s saw a decrease to approximately 28,000 tonnes lost. This reduction is attributed to various factors, including the mandatory fitting of double hulls on large tankers, and the use of innovative technologies such as GPS and sectioning of vessels.
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Chemical contamination
Marine pollution has been a problem for centuries, with chemical contamination being a significant contributor. Chemical contamination of the marine environment refers to the presence of toxic chemicals and pollutants in the oceans and other marine ecosystems. These chemicals can have detrimental effects on marine life, ecosystems, and even human health.
Sources of Chemical Contamination
Types of Chemical Contaminants
The types of chemical contaminants found in the marine environment vary widely and include pesticides, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, heavy metals, and industrial waste. One of the significant concerns is the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can remain in the environment for extended periods, even in remote areas like Antarctica. These toxic chemicals accumulate in the food chain, impacting marine life and ultimately affecting human health.
Impact on Marine Life
Impact on Humans
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Frequently asked questions
Marine pollution has been a problem since at least the late 1960s and early 1970s, when plastic pollution was first noticed in the ocean.
The ocean is being flooded with two main types of pollution: chemicals and trash.
Most marine pollution comes from land-based sources, including littering, poor waste management, storm winds, and natural events such as tsunamis and hurricanes. Some debris, such as discarded fishing gear, can also come from ocean-based sources.
Marine pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. It also affects human health, with toxins from plastic debris entering the human food chain.
